I was one of the privileged individuals to be recognized at the 22nd Annual Excellence in Teaching Ceremony at Campbellsville University on Saturday. Without a doubt May 17, 2008, will stay with me as a highlight in my teaching career.

I have been in the "learning business" (for all of teaching is an extension of learning) in both higher education and secondary schools for 23 years. As I looked around the room on that beautiful sunny afternoon, I could see and feel the pride that each teacher (including myself) brought to your beautiful new student center.

The blood drive Saturday, May 17 at Taylor County Elementary School was a huge success.

The American Red Cross received 95 units of blood, exceeding the goal of 90 they had set for the school. Out of that number, 59 were first time donors. Thanks to everyone who recruited, volunteered and gave blood that day.

We are seeking officers, enlisted men, WACs, cadets, Britons, civilians and/or their families and friends who were stationed at Cochran Field or lived in Macon, Ga. during World War II, who would be willing to contribute artifacts, photos, articles and stories pertaining to their experience with the men and women working there.

To all who are in any way responsible for my extreme honor - Taylor County Woman of the Year - I express sincere thanks.

To the Central Kentucky News-Journal who played such an important role, merchants who so bountifully bestowed upon me so many exciting gifts, friends who wrote letters, those who sent flowers and other gifts, friends who attended and shared my happiness at the lovely reception, Campbellsville High School and all my kids, the mayor and judge/executive for the proclamation, all the caring and kindness given me by so many.

Tim Davis has coached the Kentucky All Stars to a split - and nearly a sweep - in their annual basketball all-star series vs. Indiana.

Kentucky was in a tailspin, having lost eight straight and 18 of the last 20 before Davis guided them to a 95-78 blow-out win in Louisville on Sunday after dropping an 83-82 decision in Indianapolis the previous Friday.

Kentucky is famous for its county fairs. And now that it's back in full swing, the Taylor County Fair continues to get bigger and better.

This past Saturday marked the first events for this year's fair - the annual Taylor County Youth Horse Show and Tommie Johns Memorial Championship Horse Show. Tomorrow, fairgoers will start with dairy and goat shows, and Saturday features a beef show and - new this year - a corn hole tournament.

Well, the results are in. In March, we asked readers to weigh in on the subject of public records.

Do you read them? How interested are you in reading about them? Which of them are you more interested in?

From speeding tickets, misdemeanors and indictments to marriages, divorces and land transfers, the News-Journal publishes a multitude of public records. And in the past few years, we have had to devote additional space for the same information we have always published.